A member asked:

Is it true that cold weather doesn't give you a cold? and is there a difference between cold and flu? thanks in advance

6 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Yes and yes.: Cold weather does not in itself lead to viruses. It is possible that in cold weather people are in closer contact with each other which facilitates transmission of viruses. Flu is a potentially severe illness that causes high fevers, malaise, aches and pains and lasts five to ten days. A cold is much less severe. Both are caused by different viruses.

Answered 1/8/2015

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Dr. Christine Strohmeyer answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Yes: Colds and flu are more common in cold weather probably because the viruses persist longer and people are together indoors in more crowded conditions. Colds are caused by multiple different viruses such as rhinovirus and adenovirus and cause mainly nasal congestion and cough. Influenza is caused by different strains of influenza virus and have more systemic symptoms like fever, headache, and coug

Answered 9/27/2017

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